Viruses and Security

Stormraven · December 7th, 2007, 10:12 AM

I have just recently found a way to use the internet on my mobile phone through my laptop using USB. Now I have a few questons:

1. Do I need to install anti virus on my laptop? if so which one?
2. Can someone give me information on how to make my laptop from being hacked and i need better security.
3. Need to have some information on how to keep my latop safe, and need some other general information
4. Is is actually possible for someone to hack my mobile phone?

Please help me someone.

King Regards
Stormraven.

Aso · December 7th, 2007, 12:04 PM

If you're connected to the internet, you're as vulnerable as anyone else IMO. Just use common sense whilst browsing - don't click Ad's promising free cars and ipods, don't respond to or click links in suspicious emails. Most importantly - use Firefox!

The best thing you can do is have an antivirus, anti-spyware and a firewall. This thread on personal firewalls is a good place to look for suggestions.

On a personal recommendation (all free for personal use);

Firewall: Comodo
Anti Virus: AVG
Anti Spyware: Lavasoft Ad-Aware

EDIT: Also check out this thread on Anti Virus / Internet Security software

Stormraven · December 7th, 2007, 12:09 PM

Thankyou for that mate, I'm downloading AVG as we speek.

My laptop is pretty new, and it has a firewall already on it, how do i find out what firewall im using?

dab42pat · December 7th, 2007, 12:15 PM

If it is a windows system, then you will have a standard windows firewall, which IMO is adequate but there are more configurable and probably better ones about that I cant comment on.

Stormraven · December 7th, 2007, 03:25 PM

omg i hate AVG, im running on vista and it says some files are corrup and wont avg wont work :'( please help me.

Aso · December 7th, 2007, 04:46 PM

You shouldn't be having any problems. AVG is Vista certified. Can you detail the problem a bit more? I would recommend uninstalling, re-downloading and re-installing before you start troubleshooting.

Monie · December 7th, 2007, 09:32 PM

That would probable a file corrupted, unfinished download!

Stormraven · December 8th, 2007, 07:15 AM

Is Comodo the best firewall out there?

Stormraven · December 8th, 2007, 09:46 AM

I have downloaded comodo firwall, and i either have a choise of 32 bit or 64 bit, which one do i download? im using vista by the way.

also how do i find out what firewall i currently have? just want to choose the best firewall, with the most security, the current firewall i have came with the computer, and im running on vista, i really need some expert help here, please.

I have also downloaded ad-aware. is it any good?

please can someone help me asap. Please.

Monie · December 9th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Check back the link that asp186 gave you!
I use ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, its the best I found so far!